Pathology chances for independents

Notices were published last month in the Official Journal for the European Union (OJEU) advertising three tender opportunities to provide community pathology services for the East and West Midlands. The step marks a significant milestone in the nationwide initiative to transform pathology services and comes after several months of discussions and negotiations with the region’s Primary Care Trusts and emerging Clinical Commissioning Groups. Dr Tim Wreghitt, former vice president of the Royal College of Pathologists and Clinical Adviser to the NHS Midlands & East Strategic Projects Team who are managing the project, commented: Pathology services have developed in a very incoherent way over the past ten years. For the first time these new contracts will put in place service standards that will specify test turnaround times and other performance criteria, therefore providing clarity for GP practices. This will mean GPs have a clear understanding of when they can expect to receive test results, whether that is in four hours or two days, depending on the level of service they require for their patients. Patients will not see any changes to the service they receive from their GP surgery, because where their tests are taken and their results delivered will not change. The benefits for patients are tremendous; test results received when they need them; reinvestment of savings made in to their local health services; and, consistent test results in line with agreed quality standards.’